Make a batch of these no-bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls to have on hand for hungry kiddos during the week—or to feed yourself a naturally sweet snack whenever you need one! They taste like dessert, yet are filled with healthy ingredients AND are easy to make.

Peanut Butter Energy Balls with Oatmeal

Before anyone states the obvious, I do realize that most toddlers do not need more energy! They usually have plenty all on their own. But these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls are a balanced snack or a healthier dessert—and can provide balanced fuel for those growing bodies. Whatever way you look at it, having easy, homemade options for snack time and treats is a definite win in my book.

TIP: These are easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge for easy snacking.

Healthy Energy Balls Recipe

My little one has gotten into the habit of asking for a snack most nights before bedtime. Many nights, it’s clearly a stalling tactic and she’s not really hungry for anything other than more time to play or read. Other nights, she didn’t quite eat enough for dinner and she needs a little more nourishment in her body before heading off to bed.

I’m never quite sure which of the two it is until I actually give her the snack (she won’t eat it if she’s not hungry!), but I try to keep some wholesome options—like these energy bites—on hand.

TIP: I love these as much for myself since they are so easy to grab and eat them with one hand.

Ingredients in No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Here’s a look at the pantry ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:

• creamy unsweetened peanut butter 
• honey
• vanilla extract
• rolled oats
• chia seeds
• raisins

TIP: I like the “natural” kind from Smuckers or Teddies, but any brand will do.

How to Make Peanut Butter Energy Balls Step-by-Step

Here’s a look at how to make this easy energy ball recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

1. Gather the ingredients. (photo 1)
2. Grind the oats if you’d like a smoother final texture. Add to a bowl with the chia seeds. (photo 2)
3. Cut the raisins in half, if large, to make the balls easier to bite into for the little eaters. (photo 3)
4. Warm the peanut butter and honey and stir into the rest of the ingredients. Portion and roll into balls. (photo 4)
5. Eat and/or store in the fridge in an airtight container.

TIP: The recipe works with regular oats, but grinding the oats makes the balls taste more like cookie dough. You can skip the chia seeds if you don’t have any!

Easy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

You don’t need any fancy ingredients or to use any complicated methods to make these energy bites. You simply warm the wet ingredients and stir them into the dry. The batter is easy enough to roll without needing to chill in the fridge so you can make the whole recipe in under 10 minutes. And they have a texture that’s sort of like cookie dough so they’re great for younger toddlers too—just dice them up if needed.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

With my kids, these bites are “cookies” since they basically taste like cookie dough. The interior is soft and sweet and easy to chew. There is honey in the mix, so they taste like a total treat…and pair really well with any kind of milk that you prefer. I like to grind the oats up so that they overall have a more consistent, finer texture. It’s one extra step, but it’s really worth it!

Can I make these into Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls?

Wanting a chocolate version? Simply use mini chocolate chips in place of the raisins! That will definitely taste like cookie dough and I expect will make the kids really happy. (And probably the grown ups too!)

Can I make these Oatmeal Balls without peanut butter so they’re nut-free?

If you can’t do peanut butter in your house or you need a nut-free snack to send to preschool or school, try these energy bites with Sunbutter instead of peanut butter. They should work just fine and taste similar.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Sure thing, just reach for certified gluten-free rolled oats and you should be good to go.

How long can I store these?

You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They might not last that long though—I make these as much for my kids as I do for myself. I store each batch in a quart-size mason jar in the fridge and cut them up for younger eaters to ensure that they are easy to chew.

Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Energy Balls

• Grind the oats in a blender or food processor. This will make the final texture smoother and more like cookie dough.
• Cut the raisins in half if they are very large so they are easier for the kids to bite into and chew.
• Warm the peanut butter and honey so they are easy to stir into the other ingredients.
• Use a tablespoon measuring spoon or a small spoon to portion out the dough.
• Cut up if needed to serve to younger kids.
• If they feel too firm for younger eaters, simply let sit at room temperature for a bit before storing.
• Use mini chocolate chips instead of raisins if you prefer.

I’d love to hear your feedback on the recipe if you try them, so please comment below to share!

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Filder Under:Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian